Open Writing

'Oh God! You are so selfish!' Laura had spat at him that morning. Anger and bitterness were entwined and embedded in the words which still resonated in his head. He walked hurriedly with the evening crowds, through the mall, to the train back home. 'I don't know why I ever married you,' her voice echoed, 'mum was right, you only think of yourself.'
'Some flowers for your valentine, sir?' a pretty girl in a glittering red outfit asked, sparkling reflections of sunlight dancing across her costume, 'or did you have something else planned for tonight, sir?'

'Yeah, I'll take the flowers,' he offered, jolted out of his gloominess and involuntarily reaching for his wallet. 'A bunch of red roses will do. How much for a dozen?'
'Forty eight dollars including GST, sir, all nicely wrapped up too,' she said as Richard handed over a crisp fifty.
'I get some change too eh?' he said sarcastically pocketing the two dollar coin she handed back to him, 'hope my wife likes roses, been a while since I got her flowers. Nah! I'm sure she'd love 'em.'

Just for good measure, Richard went into the jeweller next door to buy a ring. The 9-carat gold ring with an artificial ruby set obliquely on top was on special. 'Can I see that one?' he asked the tired looking shop-assistant, pointing at the ring on display. At 5pm of the 14th February, it was obviously not the most popular design in the store. The ring had been marked down considerably and continuously. The sale stickers indicating lower and lower prices, begging for a sale, were evidence enough for this conclusion.

'Ah!' Richard exclaimed, gliding the ring on his little finger. 'It'll fit my wife's ring finger perfectly.'

'Would you like it boxed and wrapped?' asked the assistant, the tone of her voice expecting a negative response.

'Yes please,' he replied, disappointing her. 'But hurry, got a train to catch. Don't want to be late home today do I?'
'Of course not, sir,' she nodded, hastily removing the price stickers and wrapping the box in soft red tissue paper. Tiny red ribbons tied in a bow completed the little package, which now resembled a dainty little treasure far more precious than the actual content of the parcel itself.

**

"Honey, I'm home,' he cooed at his front door, a mere twenty minutes later, 'how was your day darling?'

'You're home earlier than normal,' said Laura peering down from the top of the stairwell.

'Happy Valentine's day dear' said Richard producing the bunch of roses from behind his back and watching Laura's facial and body expressions change, shocked but utterly delighted by this thoughtfulness.

'They're wonderful,' she said. 'Red roses are my favourite flowers and on Valentine's Day too! Thanks so much Richard.'
As she planted a kiss on his lips, he decided to maintain the momentum of the event by conjuring up the boxed ring like a magician, adding: 'Just a little something for you darling, hope you like it?'

Tears were running freely down her cheeks as she opened the gift. 'Oh! It is so beautiful,' she said through the tears, 'you are so thoughtful sweetheart.'

'How about going out to dinner tonight then?' he asked, 'I've booked a table for two at that Italian café on the esplanade, the one where you always said you wanted to go.'

**

Laura looked stunning in a little red dress, belying her age and the fact that she was the mother of two adult children. Her figure was trim from practising yoga and undertaking active pursuits including maintaining a beautiful house and home. Of course with his receding hairline, thinning locks and expanding girth from too many business lunches and an inadequate exercise regime, Richard was not exactly the charming matinee idol he thought he looked. Quite possibly his delusions may have more to do with his failing eyesight than reason.

By the time they sat down in the al fresco dining area, the full moon had already risen in the night sky, reflecting silvery moonlight off the undulating dark water. The warm salty breeze blew in from the sea, enhancing the taste and texture of each delectable course.

'Anything your heart desires is yours my love,' Laura promised.
'Thanks darling. I've already put a deposit down on a black Harley-Davidson. I take delivery of it tomorrow.'

© Gehan Wijesinha

Gehan writes for Bonzer! magazine. Please visit www.bonzer.org.au